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NSHN Forum Support & On Topic Forums. Some additional boards are viewable to members only => Survivor Room => Topic started by: brighteyes on November 02, 2011, 02:17:52 PM

Title: wanting to volunteer
Post by: brighteyes on November 02, 2011, 02:17:52 PM
Hey sorry if wrong room, I'm really wanting to start doing some volunteer work and just wondered how you get started/find some, I contacted smaritans n they got back to me but nearest centre is too far I'm wanting something local. But other than them I have no idea where to start any advice would be greatly appreciated, also with volunteer work do you have to disclose mh infomation? Thanks x
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: split on November 02, 2011, 02:24:29 PM
it depends on what exactly you are wanting to do... i work in a  BHF charity shop. i told them about my anxiety but not about my dissociation. they have since asked about my sh but werent bothered by it.
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: Nightowl on November 02, 2011, 02:38:40 PM
Google do-it, it's a site where you can find volunteer vacancies in your area.

Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: hidden tears on November 02, 2011, 02:45:35 PM
Most places have volunteer centres who can help you find volunteering. If you know what you want to do then sometimes approaching local places you like the sound of and asking if they need/would accept a volunteer.

Do you know what you want to do? 
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: Faded~Lady on November 02, 2011, 04:22:02 PM
call or email your county council honey xx
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: Sofie on November 02, 2011, 04:33:03 PM
Ask the places you're interested in. Where I am, they did advertise for staff in their shop window.
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: brighteyes on November 02, 2011, 05:15:10 PM
Thanks I wanted to smaritans as had used them a lot when I was younger but now thinking I want to help alcoholics or drug abuse I've googled it n where I am there are a few nearest sams is half an hour away n as I don't drive wouldn't be do able. I'm just worried I'd have to say I've been sectioned as in the past I haven't had to say mh stuff even tho I probs should have but now I'm jobless n don't really want a paid job I'd just like to give something back if that makes sense, might go jobcenter n see if they have volunteer stuff, but questioning if they'd want me as a shr mh stuff etc I don't really know x
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: babylady on November 02, 2011, 05:21:41 PM
I think that having MH issues, as long as you are stable and not likely to upest yr MH by the nature of the job will actually be seen as a benefit, as you will be coming with empathy and understanding.  The recovery support centre I attend (for BPD) actually has a base of volunteers that are all previous service users, lots of drugs therpist have been peviously addicts but have to have been clean for a certain period (I think it is 2 years).  I certainly want to investigate the volunteer route myself and have been told by the RSC that they actively encourage service users to go down this route, so having past issues really shouldn'y be a problem.  Good luck
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: Terri on November 02, 2011, 08:00:38 PM
Hey.


I volunteer at a drop in centre for people who're homeless or vulnerably housed. A lot of people who use the service have MH stuff and substance abuse issues. I've been doing it on and off for about three years now, and I love it - I've met some great people and made some brilliant friends.


Only thing I will say is that it can be quite intense. Depending on what you're doing, you can hear some distressing things and have to manage some challenging behaviours. When I'm at my best I can do it no problem, but sometimes I just go to help set up the hall as I'm not up to dealing with it. You have to look after yourself and I'm lucky that the people who run the centre I work at are really understanding.


A couple of the other volunteers, including the person who runs the place, know about my MH history and admissions and they're fine with it. I was completely open on interview and they said it wasn't a problem and they've always had me back after a spell away. A lot of the other volunteers have had similar experiences or are in recovery from drugs and/or alcohol and are very accepting.


The do-it website is brilliant. Tap in your postcode and it'll tell you pretty much everything in your area.


Good luck. :hug2:
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: bernie on November 02, 2011, 10:31:24 PM
I've been looking for jobs but in my current situ may not get one so have thought of volunteering. I went onto the job centre site and clicked on volunteering not sure if it was this site or direct gov and you put in your post code and how many miles you want to look and it gives you your local organisations that want volunteers and give you details on the job and days hours available. You can volunteer and it is not supposed to affect your benefits, but I worry that if you are well enough to do voluntary work then you are well enough to work. But my counsellor from Richmond Fellowship (mental health charity) does not think this is the case. I am still don't know whether to put down on forms that I have mental problems, in fact I'm not sure whether I do or not or it would be classed as a temporary thing due to my current situation. You can be permitted to do paid work when getting benefits but I think you need to do in thru the job centre. The details are on their site. Let me know if anything comes up for you. Bernie
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: Sofie on November 02, 2011, 10:44:13 PM
You would need to tell the job centre. Whether they think you're then fit for work is debatable.
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: Nightowl on November 03, 2011, 12:49:29 AM
When I told the benefits people I was volunteering they sent me two forms to fill in asking about the nature of the work I was doing, hours I was working and questions about why I wasn't getting paid.

They wrote to me last week saying my volunteering wouldn't effect the benefits I am receiving.
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: split on November 03, 2011, 06:55:24 AM
I am on jsa and when I said I was volunteering they just said 'that's great'. Yet I know others that are only allowed to do up to a certain number of hours.
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: brighteyes on November 03, 2011, 07:49:28 AM
Thanks I'm not on any benefits so shouldn't be a problem in that sense, I lost my job a few months back due to hospital. I just don't want a full time/paid job far too much stress and worrying whereas volunteering I don't imagine would be easier but slightly less pressure. But I am worried bout the mh aspect.
Thanks terri will try it now x
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: Je7 on November 03, 2011, 10:55:49 AM
Brighteyes- I am in exactly the same position at the moment, so I will be interested in how you get on. I've had a little look on the do-it website, it seems quite good.
Hope you find something soon, and try not to worry about the mh aspects, I *hope* most people will be understanding.
Title: Re: wanting to volunteer
Post by: brighteyes on November 03, 2011, 12:44:31 PM
That website is great thanks found 4 within walking distance for me victim support, redcross, girl guides and a shop. I think I'm guna go for victim support or redcross as I'm first aid trained, not going to contact them yet guna wait till I've spoke to cpn n see what she thinks. Thanks je7 also hoping they are understanding hope yours goes ok to xx